'Hard some days': Lewis Hamilton's candid mental health admission

Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says there are days he finds it 'hard to say positive' in a frank admission about his mental health, after months of speculation about his future in Formula One.

Hamilton was said to have taken the controversial end to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi hard, however the British star's candid post on Instragram suggests there was likely more at play.

In his 16th season on the F1 grid, Hamilton has endured a difficult start to the 2022 season as Mercedes are one of a handful of teams still working to get on top of the cars designed under radical new rules for this season.

Last weekend's Saudi Arabian GP was particularly difficult for Hamilton, qualifying a lowly 15th and ultimately finishing 10th behind teammate George Russell, who finished 5th.

Hamilton, who has won more F1 races than any driver in the sport's history, is contesting his 16th season on the grid.

He posted on Instagram about the struggles he had ben facing.

"It has been such a tough year already with everything that is happening around us," said the 37-year-old Englishman.

"Hard some days to stay positive.

"I have struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time, to keep going is a constant effort but we have to keep fighting. We have so much to do and to achieve."

Hamilton was against competing in Jeddah, following a nearby missile strike during Friday's practice, and said after the race: "I just want to go home."

On Thursday, he continued: "I am writing to tell you it is OK to to feel the way you do, just know that you are not alone and that we are going to get through this.

"A friend reminded me today, you are so powerful and you can do anything you put your mind to. We can do anything we put our mind to.

"Let's remember to live in gratitude for another day to rise. Sending you love and light."

Hamilton, already 29 points behind championship leader Charles Leclerc, will be back on track at the Australian Grand Prix a week on Sunday.

F1 confirms night race on Las Vegas strip

Formula One has announced a deal to stage a night race on the famous Las Vegas strip.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a major coup for the sport's American owners' Liberty Media, joins the calendar next season on an expected initial three-year contract.

It is anticipated that the race will be staged in the the second half of November, possibly to coincide with Thanksgiving weekend in America, and could start as late as 10pm local time.

The race will also defer from recent F1 tradition by taking place on a Saturday.

The announcement comes as a welcome boost to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali after the sport controversially pressed ahead with last weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite fierce opposition from Lewis Hamilton and his fellow drivers following a missile strike 12 miles east of the Jeddah circuit.

"This is an incredible moment for Formula One that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US," said Domenicali, who joined Liberty Media president and CEO Greg Maffei in Las Vegas for Wednesday's announcement.

"Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip.

"There is no better place for Formula One to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year."

In an unusual step, F1 and Liberty Media, rather than a local organiser, will promote the Grand Prix with American global entertainment company Live Nation.

"Iconic Las Vegas and Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour," Maffei said.

"Our confidence in this unique opportunity is evident in our decision to assume the promoter role for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in partnership with Live Nation. We could not be more excited to work with our local partners to create a marquee event.

"The potential of Formula One has been well demonstrated over the last several seasons and the Las Vegas GP will only take it to the next level."

The 6.12km street circuit will race against the backdrop of the city's famous skyline — including Caesars Palace, the Bellagio fountains and the Eiffel Tower — while taking in three main straights and 14 corners.

The 50-lap race will be the third staged in America, joining Austin and Miami.

With AAP

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